The Teeth Cleaning and Whole-Body Health Connection

Those yearly visits to the dental hygienist to get a teeth cleaning can seem like quite a nuisance. It’s no mystery why such a large portion of the population avoids the dentist chair. However, if you are one of the millions of Americans who skip their bi-annual teeth cleanings, you may want to reconsider your habits. Recent studies have uncovered undeniable conclusive evidence that the state of your oral health is closely linked to your total body health. Meaning, if you fail to manage comprehensive care for your pearly whites, you are putting your whole body health at risk. Discover just how vital a routine teeth cleaning from your dental hygienist is to your whole-body wellness.

Poor oral health is often a direct result of excessive inflammation. Inflammation can begin in the mouth and move to other areas of the body, or it can begin in the heart or lungs and make its way to the mouth. Either way, red swollen gums and mouth ulcers are cause for concern. The importance of a routine teeth cleaning cannot be overstated.

Your twice-yearly teeth cleaning with a dental hygienist is an opportunity for early detection and treatment of a host of chronic diseases. Research from around the world has discovered conclusive evidence that poor oral health is an early sign of chronic whole-body diseases. One study found that skipping just one dental care visit each year can increase your risk of heart disease by as much as 70 percent.

The American Dental Association states that 90 percent of whole-body diseases have oral manifestations. Those are not good odds when it comes preserving your health. Risk of other total- body diseases linked to poor oral health include:

Diabetes

Leukemia

Oral cancer

Pancreatic cancer

Lung disease

Kidney disease

Stroke

Chronic disease isn’t the only concern related to missing routine visits to your dentist in Abingdon. You may also be impacted by other painful experiences and high-risk health concerns:

Oral and Facial Pain. Pain around the teeth, gums, and face is often linked to infections of the gums, according to the office of the U.S. Surgeon General. This can result in gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, and eventually full-blown gum disease and tooth loss. Presently, more than 75 percent of the U.S. population is affected by gum disease.

Digestion Issues. Inflammation in the mouth can lead to intestinal failure, irritable bowel syndrome, and other digestive disorders.

Heart Malfunctions. Bacterial endocarditis is just one example that poor oral health can contribute to. Endocarditis occurs when inflammation reaches the heart or heart valves, worsening heart disease and causing significant damage to the organ.

How can you protect your health? Adhere to proper at-home dental care and don’t miss those important bi-annual teeth cleaning appointments with your dental hygienist—it just might save your life.

To learn about our family dentistry practice in Abingdon, call Dental One Associates of Bel Air today at (410) 698-1674 or make an appointment.

Dental One Associates offers affordable family dentistry and gentle, compassionate dental care in Abingdon. With 11 affiliated practices throughout Maryland, our offices are conveniently located with extended hours to meet your needs. At Dental One Associates of Bel Air, we provide most dental services, from basic preventative care and general dentistry to specialized procedures and complete dental reconstruction. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Patient satisfaction is our top priority and we strive to provide the exceptional, affordable dental care and personal touch that lead to lasting relationships. A smiling patient is our greatest reward and we look forward to keeping those smiles healthy, beautiful, and bright. Discover an affordable dentist who truly cares at Dental One Associates of Bel Air.

We accept most insurance plans and will be happy to help you understand the coverage that you have. We will do our best to see that you receive your maximum insurance benefits for all covered services.

The above-listed practice complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Notice of Nondiscrimination.